Choose Character Over Culture

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

Romans 8:32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all. Galatians 1:3-4 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins.

Ephesians 5:2 Walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us. 1 Timothy 2:5-6 For there is one God…, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people.

Titus 2:13-14 While we wait for the blessed hope… Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us. Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.

Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. This is all the motivation we need!

Paul’s Teaching To Timothy: 1.Be Aware Of Culture’s Pull Toward False Teaching

As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith. Timothy 1:3-4 (NIV)

Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith. The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Some have departed from these and have turned to meaningless talk. Timothy 1:4-6 (NIV)

“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.” Mark 13:32-33 (NIV)

Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:8 (NIV)

Blessed is the one… whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither — whatever they do prospers. Psalm 1:1-3 (NIV)

Paul’s Teaching To Timothy: 1.Be Aware Of Culture’s Pull Toward False Teaching 2. Be An Example In Developing Your Character

I urge, then, first of all,… that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NIV)

Ways We Can Be An Example: 1. Focus On Character, Not Culture

Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 1 Timothy 4:7 (NIV)

I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God. 1 Timothy 2:9-10 (NIV)

Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity. 1 Timothy 5:1-2 (NIV)

Movie Clip: “Click”

Ways We Can Be An Example: 1.Focus On Character, Not Culture 2.Take Responsibility And Care For Others

But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God. 1 Timothy 5:4 (NIV)

Ways We Can Be An Example: 1.Focus On Character, Not Culture 2.Take Responsibility And Care For Others 3.Be Content And Generous

They have… constant friction between people of corrupt mind, and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 1 Timothy 6:4-7 (NIV)

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 1 Timothy 6:17-18 (NIV)

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. 1 Timothy 6:10 (NIV)

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” Matthew 6:24 (NIV)

Command and teach these things. Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:11-12 (NIV)

Choose Character Over Culture